The Chairman of Keystone Bank Limited, Dr. Lady Ada Chukwudozie, has called for responsible leadership, stronger institutions and increased investment in productive enterprises as critical drivers of Nigeria’s economic growth and industrial development.
Chukwudozie made the call after receiving an Honorary Fellowship from the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) at its 2026 Fellowship Investiture in Lagos.
The ceremony, held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, on October 31, brought together stakeholders from the banking industry, government and private sector to examine how stronger financial institutions could support Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
Speaking after receiving the honour, Chukwudozie described the recognition as both an encouragement and a reminder of the responsibilities that come with leadership.
She said leadership should extend beyond individual achievements to include service, creating opportunities and contributing meaningfully to the development of institutions and society.
“I remain committed to purposeful leadership, excellence and service. I will not relent in contributing my quota towards building stronger institutions, supporting enterprise development and creating sustainable economic opportunities,” she said.
The Keystone Bank chairman also emphasised the importance of innovation, accountability and responsible investment across the banking and manufacturing sectors, noting that businesses must focus on investments capable of creating real economic value.
Her comments come as Nigeria’s banking industry faces growing expectations to translate the benefits of recapitalisation into increased financing for businesses, particularly manufacturers and small enterprises.
According to the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the banking sector mobilised ₦4.65 trillion in fresh capital by March 2026, with 33 banks meeting the new minimum capital requirements.
However, the increase in banking capital has not yet translated into stronger credit flows to manufacturing.
At the same investiture, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, highlighted the financing challenges confronting the sector.
Aduloju said bank credit to manufacturers declined from ₦8.53 trillion in December 2024 to ₦5.65 trillion in August 2026, representing a 33.8% reduction.
Manufacturing’s share of total bank credit also fell from 17.4% in December 2023 to 8.7% in August 2026, according to figures presented by the NESG chief.
He identified high borrowing costs, liquidity constraints, credit risks and the mismatch between short-term bank deposits and long-term industrial projects as obstacles limiting access to financing.
CIBN President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Dele Alabi, urged banks to deploy their stronger capital bases towards financing manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, technology and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also called on financial institutions to provide more accessible and affordable long-term financing for businesses, particularly smaller enterprises requiring funds to expand operations, acquire equipment and strengthen their supply chains.
Chukwudozie, who also leads Dozzy Group and serves as Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria’s South-East Branch, brings experience across banking, manufacturing and enterprise development.
Her recognition by CIBN comes amid broader discussions about the role of financial institutions in supporting domestic production, expanding businesses and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
The challenge for Nigeria’s banking sector, as highlighted at the investiture, is to ensure that stronger financial institutions translate into greater investment in the productive sectors of the economy.
